30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 10:46-52 [Year B] 

[46] And they came to Jericho; and as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimae'us, a blind beggar, the son of Timae'us, was sitting by the roadside.

[47] And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

[48] And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

[49] And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; rise, he is calling you."

[50] And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus.

[51] And Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, let me receive my sight."

[52] And Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

1. Jericho is Jesus last stop on the way to Jerusalem where suffering and death await him but also resurrection. He has instructed his disciple along the way, especially on the need to follow him in a spirit of service. They seem to be like blind men, however, unable to quite grasp his teaching.
2. Now we meet blind Bar Timaeus. He lives in darkness, can only survive by begging. His two assets are his ears and his voice. He is sharp. He is a marginalized person and sitting on the wayside depending largely on pilgrims to Jerusalem to help him.
3. His ears help him now. He hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. He uses his voice, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Ever...

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